Education.TED.com - TED-ED, how should we improve it?

I learned about TED-ED 3-4 months ago and thought that this might be the answer to many of the conversations about Education that we have here on TED. Sadly it doesn't seem to have developed much and I also find it to be lacking in both design and goals...
How could we improve TED-ED?
Visit http://education.ted.com/ to check it out!

Closing Statement from Jimmy Strobl

When this conversation was started I did not know that there was an official plan or "workflow", Here's the link http://education.ted.com/content.php?367-TED-ED-Workflow

Aug 29 2011:
Stepping away from familiar compulsories, let's absolutely ensure that people have essential information for healthy, functional development. There are too many global issues based on fears and insecurities that get profoundly distorted and corrected far too late in people's lives.

I believe that healthy development of heart, mind, and spirit, can help first each individual, then whatever community those individuals participate in. It concerns me that we are willing to teach, test, and reinforce concepts like reading, writing, and 'rithmetic, but are overly casual about values and principles.

Aug 31 2011:
So guys, I'd like to continue the conversation about TED-ED here on Conversations but time is running out... Could we try to come up with something good that we could start a new conversation about concerning TED-ED?

Aug 30 2011:
The response was enlightening. I see better where they are going and how they plan to get there. Sounds like a good plan with what little they divulged.

I didn't realize I could join, so I'm going to do that.

They do have a plan, no doubt about it; and I do think that when things like this are in the gestational stage the best thing to do is make it known that you/me/we would like to help be a part of the formation, but I think there is something of an inner circle or "executive" team that is managing the development of this project. As they said, this is not "for public use" yet and is very much in development.

I do think there are important things we can contribute. The whole concept is exciting to me so I would find a way to contribute if I felt they wanted me to.... I'd quit my job and go to TED ED if I could. But I can't. So I won't.

But it is there, ready to be shaped. I get the sense that anyone who is willing to invest the time to bring the concept along would be welcomed! (Like you Jimmy) Someone to fine-tune it, find markets for it, get some PR from other organizations and media outlets, etc. Once the ball gets rolling and gains momentum it will take on a life of it's own, just as TEDTalks has done (and TED conversations).

I truly see TEDTalks and TED conversations as an educational experience on par with any I have had in my lifetime. TED ED could do the same for students.

The idea of a TED ED is exciting to me personally, but I don't know how I could contribute/manage my time to share some with TED ED to develop the concept. But I want to... Here are some quick thoughts based on my visit to the website:

1. This is something that desperately needs a development/action plan!!
2. It looks like it could use a team of educators and others to focus the concept and develop a clear vision. Change the world through education.
3. It needs a mission statement that is stronger and more ambitious than what it has currently
4. The "curriculum" areas need some work.
5. Could use a Ken Robinson as "director of development" (or you)

Maybe we could talk some about this when I visit Gothenburg In September - I'll be in touch about travel plans soon.

Aug 29 2011:
I must assert that I am a bit confused as to the purpose of TED-ED. I would hope that we could establish that purpose/issues /goals that we would like to apporach and then go about finding the resources/persons to discuss and resolve same. God knows that in our world today, we have challenges a plenty to keep us busy for some time. Is aour world ready to accept and work toward adopting a curriculum of change? I would hope; however, not convinced. I stand ready to assist and appreciate the opportunltiy to do so.

Comment deleted

Aug 28 2011:
I have not been keeping track of or participating in the many forums on the TED-Ed site, but I wonder whether this discussion would fit even better into the ongoing discussions on that site about shaping the direction of TED-Ed.

Aug 28 2011:
Hi there Jimmy, how about gathering and "mining" the great ideas that comes from our conversations about education. TED ED would be one great collaboration project TEdsters would contribute into. What are your ideas?

Aug 29 2011:
Hey there Joe, I was kind of hoping that this conversation would serve as the gatherer/miner... Although I've realized that TED-ED is only in It's startup phase right now and will hopefully develop much in the near future, with our help of course...